ADVICES

Machine washable at 30°C. Tumble dry on synthetic to reactivate the fabric's water repellent treatment.

Storage Tips

Store in dry place.

FEATURES OF THE PRODUCT

What does a "waterproof" component mean?

It's a fabric's resistance to water penetration. This is measured using an approved water pressure test. Since the average pressure of rainfall ranges from 1000 mm to 2000 mm, we consider a fabric to be waterproof from 2000 mm onwards. Our products are able to resist a pressure which varies from 2,000 to 10,000 mm. They are, therefore, extremely waterproof and suited to all weather conditions, even the most extreme.

What is a waterproofing test or "shower test"?

Approved test where the garment is placed under a shower simulating different weather conditions. All our products are certified 100% waterproof having been tested for 4+ hours in rain of 100 L/hr/sqm to 450 L/hr/sqm depending on the product use. To put this into perspective, the highest recorded rain fall was in the USA in 1942, when 174 L/hr/sq.m. fell over 4.5 hours (NOAA). The average rainfall in Paris is 2 L/hr/sq.m. (www.Paris.fr)

What are sealed seams or strips?

These are seams that are sealed (or taped) using thermally-sealed watertight strips. They are placed behind the seams and are essential to making the garment watertight as they prevent water from penetrating the fabric by capillary action (water penetration through absorption by the threads and/or stitching holes).

What is a waterproof and breathable HYDROPHILIC membrane?

The membrane works in stages to wick away perspiration. Firstly, the fabric absorbs water vapour until it is saturated. Then, due to the difference in pressure between inside and outside the jacket, the fabric disperses the water vapour outwards. The main advantage of the hydrophilic membrane is that it does not contain pores; consequently, there is no need to constantly rinse the fabric to wash off any salt water crystals. Breathability therefore remains constant over time.

What is hydrolysis?

Hydrolysis is a chemical process whereby a membrane or standard coating is broken down by salt present in sea water and sea spray. All Tribord membranes and coatings use a technology which halts hydrolysis, allowing the garments to retain their essential properties for long periods of time. The garments don't degrade and remain waterproof and breathable for a long time.

What does water repellent mean?

It is a quality achieved by applying a hydrophobic, water-repellent treatment to a fabric. This process prevents water from sticking to the fabric's surface, so less water is absorbed. When movement is added to the equation, water glides over the fabric. This means the fabric is water repellent.Thanks to its water repellent properties, water does not soak into the outer fabric, so the jacket stays light and dries more quickly.

What is breathability and the RET index?

A fabric's breathability is its ability to disperse water vapour produced by the body (perspiration). It can be measured using the RET index (Resistance to Evaporative Transfer). The RET is a resistance index; the lower the value, the greater the breathability of the garment. RET between 6 and 12: very breathable; RET between 12 and 20: breathable; RET above 20: not breathable. Our products are very breathable, with a RET between 7.2 and 12.

How important is windproofing?

Protection from the wind is critical, as wind can chill the body significantly whether you are active or at rest. According to the windchill model, which measures how the air temperature feels when factoring in the wind and cold, at a temperature of 5°C, combined with winds of 30 km/h, the temperature felt will be 0°C. If the air temperature is 0°C and wind speed is 30 kph, the temperature felt will be -6°C. The materials used in our products help to counter the windchill effect.

This sou wester is better designed than this one http://www.decathlon.co.uk/cr100-black-souwester-id_8164603.html It has a chinstrap that holds it in place in high winds and it stays where it is supposed to on your head. Yes waterproof rain and spray falls off it easily. Worn in heavy rain and windy conditions with no problem. A good item for head protection.

* The prices listed on the site are the prices recommended by DECATHLON SA's central purchasing department.